Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 hit off the coast of northern Miyagi Prefecture on Friday at 8:22 PM. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that there was no tsunami risk.

The quake’s epicenter lay deep beneath the seabed, 50 kilometers off Miyagi Prefecture’s rugged coastline, according to the JMA.

The earthquake reached a maximum seismic intensity of 5 (weak) on the Japanese Shindo scale in Ishinomaki City, Tome City, and Osaki City. Surrounding areas, including southern coastal Iwate Prefecture, northern and southern inland Iwate, and southern Miyagi, recorded an intensity of 4. 

In Tokyo, buildings swayed slightly; however, there were no reports of damage or injuries.

As a precautionary measure, some high-speed trains were temporarily suspended.

The Tohoku region, which includes Miyagi, Iwate, Fukushima and other prefectures, experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, remains particularly vigilant regarding seismic activity due to the lasting impact of that event.

An intensity of 5 (lower) on the Shindo scale typically causes hanging objects to swing violently and may cause unsecured furniture to move or fall. Dishes and items on shelves may drop, and windows or walls can crack.